North Carolina

On August 5, NC AgrAbility hosted the first "Peer Virtual Networking Event," which was the equivalent of its "Peer Lunch Support Program" offered to its farmers every year. This time, staff were able to gather distant farmers from far eastern and western NC at the same time. This was a great networking experience with nine participants during which farmers stated they are willing to meet every other month to receive information about different topics related to agriculture and disabilities.

On August 12, NC AgrAbility Partnership hosted a virtual training for Extension agents. The training "Helping Farmers with Disabilities Overcome Limitations: AgrAbility Services" was presented at the NCA&T 2020 Faculty and Staff Institute. Presenters Tammy Koger, Chuck Oaks, Jessica Wilburn, Betty Rodriguez, and Alexea Davis had the opportunity to interact with 25 participants who learned about how AgrAbility was created, who the NC AgrAbility Partnership partners are and their services, what is considered a disability, and who can qualify for services from the program. This was the introductory level of a NC AgrAbility Ambassador Training for Extension Agents.

Beatriz Rodriguez presented via Zoom "Health and Safety: Bending and Lifting" on August 20 at the NCA&T Extension Extended Virtual Programming Series. Fifteen participants had the opportunity to learn about how to prevent injuries when bending and lifting. Participants received materials on how to build an electric jib crane.

Submitted by Beatriz (Betty) Rodriguez